Dehumidifying air-conditioning apparatus



March 10, 1953 c. D. HARRls ET AL 2,630,691

4 Sheets-Sheet l J i/nfansx J8 J5 C'fiarles .D. fiarrz's (fasgp/E M Galazzi M Mtg,

March 10, 1953 c. D. HARRIS ETAL 2,630,691

DEI-IUMIDIFYING AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 20, 1951 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 t J8 15 66 J 6 720746 5. 222732;

F ('ys eph 'alazzz' March 10, 1953 c. D. HARRIS ETAL 2,630,691

DEHUMIDIFYING AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 20, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 fF/Eti March 1953 'c. D. HARRIS ETAL 2,530,591

DEHUMIDIF'YING AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 20, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 n J Charles fl lifarrzis (/bs vh 75. Galazzi Patented Mar. 10, 1953 DEHUMIDIFYING AIR-CONDITIONING APPARATUS Charles. D. Harris and Joseph A. Galazzi, Evanse ville, Indi, assignors to International Harvester Company, a corporation of; New Jersey Application November 20, 1951; Serial No. 257,382

12 Claims.

This invention relates generally to air conditioning apparatus and more particularly to a unit which is adapted to remove moisture from the air of a basement room or the like.

There is a need for a portable unit in homes and omces which will remove moisture from room air and maintain the relative humidity of the air within a predetermined range. In many rooms dehumidification of the air is required but there is no reason for cooling the air,'such as basement rooms where the air is normally cool but as a high moisture content, or in 1ibraries where the air should be maintained at a low relative humidity for the protection of books and other papers. It has been found that by passing room air into contact with the evaporator and the condenser of a refrigeration system, moisture will be removed from the air without any appreciable change in the temperature of the air. In this arrangement the evaporator cools the air to its dew point so that moisture condenses therefrom, and the condenser returns to the air the heat which is removed by the evaporator. One object of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifier unit having a refrigeration system arranged in this manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dehumidifier having an outer casing which is provided with an air inlet and an'air outlet spaced from said inlet.

Another object of the invention is to position the refrigeration system within said casing with fan means for circulating room air over the'evap orator and condenser thereof by way ofthe air inlet and air outlet.

Another object of the invention is to provide a condenser having several runs which are secured to the inner surfaces of the outer casing so that the refrigerant therein will be cooled by the air being circulated through said casing by said fan means and also by the air moving over the outer surfaces of said casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a receptacle which is adapted to be' inserted through said air inlet and which will collect the moisture that collects on said evaporator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a path of low air resistance through the casing whereby a small fan can be used for circulating air therethrough.

Another object of the invention is to provide a dehumidifier which is light in weight and compactly arranged so that it can be moved easily from room to room by one person.

Another object of the invention is to provide 2 a dehumidifier which will remove. a large quantity of water from air and which is economical to operate.

Other objects, advantages and results of the invention will appear from the following description and the accompanying drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the accompanying drawings in which corresponding and like parts are designated throughout the several views by the same reference characters.

Fig. l is a vertical sectional view of a dehumidifying unit embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the unit with part of the outer casing cut away.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken alon line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view of only the outer casing taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 1 with the condenser shown in full.

Reference being had to the drawings for a detailed description of the invention, a dehumidifying unit is designated generally by reference numeral Ill. The unit [0 is provided. with a cylindrical shaped outer casing ll comprising a lower section 12, upper section [3, top I4 and bottom 15 which are secured together in any suitable manner. Lower section I2 is provided with a rectangular shaped inlet opening [6 and top [4 is provided with a, circular shaped outlet opening l1. Bottom wall [5 has bumped out projections l8 upon which the unit l0 rests.

Near the upper portion of lower section l2 there are three brackets i9, 20 and 2| which are spaced around the lower section and secured thereto by welding. A narrow ring 22 is secured to the brackets I9, 20 and 2| with its outer edge 23 spaced inwardly from the casing II and its inner edge 24 defining a circular opening therethrough. A U-shaped channel member 25 is positioned above the ring 22 with the downturned ends 26 and 21 secured to the ring. Spaced above ring 22 is a hermetically sealed motor compressor assembly 28 having a spring metal strap 29 fastened thereto, the ends of which are secured to channel member 25 by resilient mounts 30. The opposite side of the assembly 23 is provided with a bracket 3! having one endpermanently afiixed to the assembly and the other end fastened to a support member 32 by a bolt 33 and nut 34. Support member 32 extends downwardly and is welded. to ring 22. By this arrangement the motor compressor assembly 28 is secured in position in a manner that will dampen vibrations set up when the assembly is operating.

As best seen in Fig. 3, the ring 22 is formed with three spaced apart projections 35, 3B and 31 along its inner edge 24 which extend radially inwardly. Permanently attached to the projections 35, 36 and 3'! are clips 38, 39 and 4|] respectively. Each clip is provided with a horizontal leg 4!, a vertical neck 42 and a curved portion 43. The horizontal leg 4| is secured to the ring 22 with the vertical neck 42 extending downwardly therefrom. The curved portion 43 of the clips clamps around the finned portions of an evaporator 44 and secure the evaporator in spaced relationship to th ring 22. It is contemplated that clips 38, 39 and 46 be constructed from material having a low coefficient of heat transmission in order that there will be a minimum amount of heat transferred thereby. The evaporator 44 comprises a tube bent into two runs 45 and 46 to which are secured spaced apart fins 41.

As best seen in Fig. 5 of the drawings, a condenser 48 is secured to the inner surfaces of the lower section I2 and upper section l3 of the casing The condenser 48 comprises a continuous tube which is bent into a series of parallel runs 49 connected together 'by looped portions 50. The runs 49 and loops 55 terminate short of said inlet opening I6 in order that the opening will be unobstructed. It is contemplated that the condenser 43 be welded, clamped, rolled into, or otherwise fastened to the inner surface of the casing I I so that there is an intimate bond therebetween.

Positioned below evaporator 44 is a funnel shaped bafile 5| having a downturned edge portion 52 which is secured to casing H by screws, and an inwardly extending body portion 53. Below baffle 5| is a receptacle 66 which rests upon bottom wall l5 of the casing The receptacle 66 may be an ordinary household bucket of such size that it can be moved through inlet opening l6. An electric motor 54 is secured in the upper portion of the casing H by three support members 55 each of which has an outer end fastened to the top 4 of the casing A propeller type fan 56 is secured to the armature 51 of the motor 54 and the blades are pitched to throw air upwardly through outlet opening H.

The dehumidifier I is light in Weight so that it can be easily lifted by one person and moved from room to room. When the unit I0 is to operate to dehumidify air within a room, it is first placed in the room and the motor-compressor assembly 28 and fan motor 54 are connected to a suitable power source. Automatic controls may be provided for starting and stopping the operation of the unit in response to the condition of the room air. With motor-compressor assembly 28 operating, compressed refrigerant will be forwarded through conduit 58 to condenser 48 where the refrigerant will be cooled and condensed as it passes downwardly through the turns 49 and loops of the condenser. The condensed refrigerant is then forced upwardly through conduit 59 and metered by a capillary restrictor tube 60 into the evaporator 44. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the surrounding air as it is vaporized in flowing through the evaporator 44, after which it is returned to the motor-compressor as sembly 28 by conduit 6| to repeat the cycle.

Motor 54 rotates fan 56 which pulls room air through inlet opening l6 into casing then upwardly around pail 66 through bafile 5| into contact with the evaporator 44, from which the air is circulated through the center and around the outer edge of ring 22 into the upper section i3 of casing H and then passed back to the room through outlet opening As the air flows upwardly around pail 66, some of it will wipe over the condenser 48 and partially cool the refrigerant flowing through the condenser. When the air contacts the cold surfaces of the evaporator 44, it is cooled to its dew point and a substantial portion of the water vapor carried by the air is condensed therefrom onto the evaporator. This water drips from the evaporator 44 and is directed by the baffle 5| into the receptacle 66. The air then flows upwardly into the upper section l3 of the casing H where it wipes over the condenser 48 before it passes out the outlet opening H. The refrigerant within the condenser 46 will be cooled by this action, whereas the air will be reheated to approximately the same temperature as the air within the room. When receptacle 66 has been filled with condensed water, it may be removed through inlet opening I6 and emptied.

Since condenser 48 is secured to casing H in a manner to allow good heat transfer therebetween, the casing will be heated to a higher temperature than the room air surrounding it. This will cause convectional air currents to be set up, and as room air flows upwardly around the casing, it will pick up heat therefrom and aid in cooling the refrigerant flowing through the condenser. The combination of the air wiping over the inner surfaces of the casing at a high velocity, and the air wiping over the outside surfaces of the casing at a low velocity, results in a highly efficient condensing surface.

As is readily apparent from the preceding description, a dehumidifying unit is provided which will operate to remove water vapor from room air Without any appreciable change in the temperature of the air. The refrigeration system is small and compact and is economical to operate. The fan motor can be of a small size since the path for air flow through the casing is large in cross section and offers only a slight resistance to the air flow. The baffle will direct all the water into the receptacle so that there will be no danger of drippage on the room floor.

While the invention has been shown in only one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are imposed by the prior art or as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a continuous tube which is bent into a cylindrical shape; said evaporator being enclosed by said condenser; and means for passing room air through a portion of said condenser into contact with said evaporator, then over the remainder of said condenser; said air being cooled to its dew point by said evaporator so that water condenses therefrom.

2. In a unit for dehumidifying room air, a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator; a casing having an air inlet and an air outlet; said condenser being secured to the inner surface of said casing; said evaporator being positioned within said casing;

aesaeer and fan means for pulling room air through said inlet into contact with said evaporator, then over said condenser and out said air outlet; said. air being cooled to its dew point by said evaporator whereby moisture is condensed therefrom, then reheated as itpasses over said condenser.

3. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; an outer casinghaving an air inlet and an air outlet; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor', condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a continuous tube which is secured to said casing in heat exchange relationship; said evaporator being positioned within said casing; and air propelling means for pulling room air through said air inlet, passing it into contact with said evaporator and condenser, then forcing it out said outlet; said air being cooled to its dew point by said evaporator whereby water is condensed therefrom; said condenser being .cooled partially by the air flowing through said casing and partially by the air surrounding said casing.

4. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a

casing having an air inlet and an air outlet; a. refrigerant condenser comprising a plurality of runs which are secured to the inner surface of said casing in heat exchange relationship thereto; a refrigerant evaporator secured within said casing between said inlet and outlet; air propelling means for pulling room air through said air inlet, passing it into contact with said evaporator and condenser, then forcing it out said outlet; said air being cooled to its dew point by said evaporator whereby water is condensed therefrom; said condenser being cooled partially by the air flowing through said casing and partially by the air surrounding said casing; and a receptacle for collecting the Water which collects on said evaporator.

5. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a casing having an air inlet disposed in one end and an air outlet disposed in another end; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a continuous tube which is bent into a series of runs and secured to the inner surface of said casing in heat exchange relationship thereto; said evaporator being secured between said inlet and said outlet; and fan means for pulling room air through said air inlet into contact with a portion of said condenser, then over said evaporator where the air is cooled to its dew point and Water is condensed therefrom. and finally over the remainder of said condenser and out said outlet; said condenser being cooled partially by the air flowing through said casing and partially by the air surrounding said casing.

6. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a vertically disposed cylindrical casing having an air inlet adjacent the bottom end and an air outlet adjacent the top end; a refrigeration sys tem comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a series of runs which are spaced along the entire length of the inner surface of said casing and secured thereto in heat exchange relationship; said evaporator being secured to said casing between said inlet and said outlet; and fan means for. pulling room air through said air inlet into contact with a portion of said condenser, then over said evaporator where the air is cooled to its dew point and water is condensed therefrom, and finally over the remainder of said condenser and out said outlet; said condenser being cooled par- 6. tially by the; air flowing through, said casing: and partially by the air surrounding said casing.

7;. In, a, unit for? dehumidifying room air; a verticallydisposed cylindrical casing having: an air inlet adjacent the bottom end and an air outlet adjacent the top end; a refrigeration system. comprising a. compressor, condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a series of runs which are spaced along the entire length of the inner surface of said casing and secured thereto in heat exchange relationship; said evaporator being secured to said casing between said inlet andsaid outlet; fan means for pulling room air through said air inlet into contact with s a portion. of said condenser, then over said evaporator where the air is cooled to its dew point and water is condensed therefrom, and finally over the remainder of said condenser and out said outlet; said condenser being cooled partially I by the air flowing through said casing and partially by the air surrounding said casing; and receptacle means adapted to be moved through said air inlet and positioned under said evaporator so that the water which condenses: on said evaporator will drain thereinto.

8. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a vertically disposed cylindrical casing having an air inlet adjacent the bottom end and an air outlet adjacent the top end; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator;

said condenser comprising a series of runs which are spaced along the entire length of the inner surface of said casing and secured thereto in heat exchange relationship; said evaporator being secured to said casing between said inlet and said outlet; fan means for pulling room air through said air inlet into contact with a portion of said condenser, then over said evaporator where the air is cooled to its dew point and Water is condensed therefrom, and finally over the remainder of said condenser and out said outlet; said condenser being cooled partially by the air flowing through said casing and partially by the air surrounding said casing; receptacle means adapted to be moved through said air inlet and positioned under said evaporator so that the water which condenses on said evaporator will drain thereinto; and a baffle secured to said casing below said evaporator which will direct the water from said evaporator into said receptacle.

9. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a vertically disposed cylindrical casing having an air inlet adjacent the bottom end and an air outlet adjacent the top end; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a plurality of runs which are secured to the inner surface of said casing in heat exchange relationship thereto; a supporting ring secured to said casing between said air inlet and said air outlet; said compressor being positioned above said ring and secured thereto; said evaporator being positioned below said ring and secured thereto; and fan means secured to said casing which pulls room air through said air inlet into contact with said evaporator and said condenser, then forces it out said outlet; said air being cooled to its dew point by said evaporator whereby water is condensed therefrom; said condenser being cooled partially by the air flowing through said casing and partially by the air surrounding said casing.

10. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a vertically disposed outer casing having an air inlet adjacent the bottom end and an air outlet adjacent the top end; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a series of runs which are spaced along the entire length of the inner surface of said casing and secured thereto in heat exchange relationship; a supporting ring secured to said casing between said air inlet and said air outlet; said compressor being positioned above said ring and secured thereto; said evaporator being positioned below said ring and secured thereto; and fan means for pulling room air through said air inlet into contact with the lower portion of said condenser, then over said evaporator where the air is cooled to its dew point and water is condensed therefrom, then through said ring into contact with the upper portion of said condenser, and finally out said air outlet.

11. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a vertically disposed outer casing having an air inlet adjacent the bottom end and an air outlet adjacent the top end; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a series of runs which are spaced along the entire length of the inner surface of said casing and secured thereto in heat exchange relationship; a supporting ring secured to said casing between said air inlet and said air outlet; said compressor being positioned above said ring and secured thereto; said evaporator being positioned below said ring and secured thereto; fan means for pulling room air through said air inlet into contact with the lower portion of said condenser, then over said evaporator where the air is cooled to its dew point and water is condensed therefrom, then through said ring into contact with the upper portion of said condenser, and finally out said air outlet; and a receptacle positioned under said evaporator into which water which condenses on said evaporator will drain; said receptacle being adapted to be inserted through said air inlet.

12. In a unit for dehumidifying room air; a vertically disposed outer casing having an air inlet adjacent the bottom end and an air outlet adjacent the top end; a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser and evaporator; said condenser comprising a series of runs which are spaced along the entire length of the inner surface of said casing and secured thereto in heat exchange relationship; a supporting ring secured to said casing between said air inlet and said air outlet; said compressor being positioned above said ring and secured thereto; said evap-r orator being positioned below said ring and secured thereto; fan means for pulling room air through said air inlet into contact with the lower portion of said condenser, then over said evaporator where the air is cooled to its dew point and water is condensed therefrom, then through said ring into contact with the upper portion of said condenser, and finally out said air outlet; a receptacle positioned under said evaporator into which water which condenses on said evaporator will drain; said receptacle being adapted to be inserted through said air inlet; and a funnel shaped bafiie secured to said casing below said evaporator which will direct the water from said evaporator into said receptacle.

CHARLES D. HARRIS. JOSEPH A. GALAZZI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,369,511 Winkler Feb. 13, 1945 2,438,120 Freygang Mar. 23, 1948 

